Mary Ethel Cockrel, of Metropolis, was born May 22, 1914 in Ballard County, Ky. She was the daughter of John Herman Call and Maude Lee Joyner Call. She died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013 at the age of 98 years old.

Mary Ethel became a Christian at an early age. She began teaching Sunday school at age 17 and was a faithful teacher for many years. She was a member of First United Methodist of Metropolis.Mary Ethel was a prayer advisor for the Paducah Christian Women’s Club and a tireless worker for the Lord. She married Wayne Cockrel on Sept. 2, 1934 in Charleston, Mo. To this union was born two sons, Robert and Jon. On March 20, 1959, they opened their hearts to two foster children, Rose Marie and Fred.

She is survived by one son, Jon Cockrel and wife Betty of Metropolis; two grandchildren, Timothy Cockrel and wife Beth of Bremerton, Wash. and Jill Cobb and husband Matt of St. Louis, Mo.; two foster grandchildren, whom she loved as her own, David Riegel of Los Angeles, Calif. and Daniel Riegel and wife Lailah of Benton; five great-grandchildren, Ryan Cockrel and wife Robin of Bremerton, Benjamin Cockrel and wife Jennie of Poulsbo, Wash. and Madeline Cobb, Nathan Cobb and Ian Cobb, all of St. Louis; two sisters, Evelyn Evans of Raleigh, N.C. and Reba Cornwell of Horseshoe Bend, Ark.; and several special nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; son, Robert; foster daughter, Rose Marie Riegel; one sister; and two brothers.

Funeral service was held Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Metropolis with Rev. Jeff Bealmear officiating. Music was provided by Stecia Gregory, pianist/organist; and Beth Cockrel, soloist.Burial followed at Metropolis Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Timothy Cockrel, Matthew Cobb, Steve Treas, Calvin Hollon, Darrell Logeman and Robert Fick. Honorary pallbearers were Ryan Cockrel, Benjamin Cockrel, Lowell Riegel, Daniel Riegel, David Riegel and Lindell DeJarnett.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 100 E. Fifth St., Metropolis, IL 62960.